Liverpool and Everton in battle for Turkish playmaker

Rob McCarthy

Everton have reportedly joined Liverpool in the race to sign Trabzonspor playmaker Yusuf Yazici before the transfer window closes.

Yazici, 20, scored six goals and provided 10 assists in 22 outings last season for the club he joined as a youth player nine years ago.

Liverpool’s interest has already been well documented but now Ronald Koeman’s Toffees are also said to have had the player watched, according to the Daily Star.

Yazici made his debut for the senior Turkey international side in June and registered an assist in their win over Kosovo.

However, Trabzonspor chairman Muharram Usta is not too keen on one of prized assets leaving, saying last week: “I want to see Yusuf here for our 50th year anniversary squad.

“He will be sold when the time is right, Yusuf will be an ambassador for the club and reach the highest level.”